Speiker runs state’s sixth best 5K

Hornet sets course record at 18:11

OROVILLE  Oroville’s Sierra Speiker won the girls title at the Can Am Invitational on Oct. 5.

Speiker, who is undefeated this year in search of her third state title, covered the 5K course in a personal best of 18 minutes, 11 seconds.

Her time is the sixth fastest in the state this year by girls from all school sizes. Speiker is only five seconds behind the second fastest time.

“It was a different course than usual,” Oroville coach Doug Kee said. “We couldn't use the course at the (Kettle Falls) campground because of the government shutdown. So we ran at Colville High School.

“Next Saturday will be interesting,. Several of the state's top girls will be running with Sierra at the Richland Invite.”

Republic’s Duncan Forsman finished third in the boys run in 16:31.

Right behind was Liberty Bell’s Ben Klemmeck in 16:47.

“Saturday at Colville it was a new, flat and very fast course,” Tonasket coach Bob Thornton said. “The weather was perfect for running and some fast times were produced.”

Thornton said some Tigers may have been feeling the results of running Thursday at Lake Chelan Park, but “they sill were able to run fast times.

“I continue to be impressed with the fact that everyone on the girls team is racing and not just running races. Everyone is improving race to race in staying focused and racing.”

“Republic/Curlew had a very good day at the CAN-AM,” coach Ed Forsman said.

The Lake Roosevelt meet, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12, has been canceled.

Tonasket will put on a meet Friday, Oct. 11, at home with Republic, Oroville and Brewster.